| Christmas In Belvidere 2008 |
Our Victorian Christmas celebration proved most enjoyable for the hundreds of visitors to Belvidere on Saturday, December 13. Mother Nature cooperated with dry though chilly weather. Festivities began early with our many vendors setting up shop at two locations. Browsers were converted into buyers, impressed with the variety of goods on display, ranging from toys to jewelry to baked bread. Teams of children were busy decorating small Christmas trees in the town Square, competing for prizes. Downtown merchants welcomed streams of visitors following our Shoppers Trail, marked by colorful balloons. Shopkeepers happily greeted old friends plus many newcomers, discovering and re-discovering their quaint establishments.
Special Luncheons, Dinners and Teas provided welcome nutrition and fellowship. Music and storytelling entertained visitors at several venues. The day topped off with residents inviting guests into their decorated parlors, splendid with Victorian touches and trees. As they say, a good time was indeed had by all. If you missed coming, mark your calendar for 2009. Following are photos capturing the day. Enjoy!
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| Decorating Trees in the Square |
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| Church Ladies Ready the Feast |
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| Ready For the Shoppers |
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| Singers Braving the Cold |
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| Three Colorful Wiseman Visit |
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| The Peace of Christmas at Dusk |
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| A Welcoming Face at the Church |
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| The Real Meaning of Christmas |
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| Happy Guests! |
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| Follow the Shoppers Trail for Goodies |
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| This Shop's Window Drew Visitors |
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| A Bit of Heaven on Earth |
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| Victorian Parlor Concert Performance |
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| Restful Break and Social |
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| Homeowners Welcome Parlor Tour Guests |
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| The Judges Favor a Winning Tree |
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| Dressed for the Holidays |
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| Riverside Scene Decked Out for Christmas |
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Special Thanks go to the Belvidere Womans' Club for sponsoring a most wonderful Holiday Luncheon. It was a culinary and aesthetic delight with gourmet food and festive decor. The Womans' Club engages in numerous charitable and community activities. Their generosity and talents are inspirational to us all. For more information about the Club call 908 475 5526.
Another Special Thanks goes to the core group of Belvidere Arts and Events volunteers who gave of their time and creativity to make this year's event a winning success: Victoria Meghdir, Bud and Nancy Allen, Anita Health, Ken Gillespie, Barbara VanZandt, and Sue Morrow.
Yet More Special Thanks to Jim Qualls for arranging the Christmas Tree Decorating Event at the Square...to Homeowners who opened their houses and hearts to visitors: the Meghdir Family, A. Thomas Valasis, Robert Hadrava, Joseph Roth, Shirley of Belle Reve B&B, and the Warren County Historical Society Museum staff...to the Pastors and members of Belvidere's Presbyterian and Methodist Churches for allowing us to utilize their interiors...to the American Legion for hosting kiddie's visit to Santa as well as providing a venue for craftspeople.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO WINNERS!
Shoppers Trail $50 Value "Belvidere Bucks": Beverly Gaglione of East Stroudsburg, Edward Harfst of Belvidere, Ron Rounsaville of Milford, and Muriel Dragotta of Belvidere.
Decorated Tree Awards: First Prize to Harmony Township Brownies. Second Prize to Girl Scouts of White Township. Honorable Mention to Cub Scouts 141, Builders' Club, Harmony Girl Scouts, Pack 503 Harmony, troop 4312 Harmony, BYAA, and Junior Girl Scouts 4023.
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